Youth ORV weekend June 8 & 9
A two-day off-road vehicle (ORV) excursion targeted toward youth will be held in two locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on June 8 and 9, hosted by Sportsmen’s Off-Road Vehicle Association (SORVA).
This event is intended to engage youth ages 12 to 16 in the enjoyment of Michigan’s motorized trails by building their confidence through a free ORV safety class, practical skills training track and hands-on trail-riding experience.
The ORV safety class will run from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds, 2401 12th Ave. North in Escanaba. The class, taught by Michigan ATV/ORV instructor Tim Kobasic, is designed for ages 12-16, but parents are encouraged to attend. Lunch and all class materials will also be provided for free. Space is limited, and registration is available at Munising High School, Manistique High School, Manistique Chamber of Commerce and the Escanaba Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Office. Participants registered by May 31 will also receive a free t-shirt. Bus and van transportation will be provided free of charge for youth from the Munising and Manistique areas, with buses loading in those communities starting at 8 a.m.
Also on Saturday, June 8, SORVA will be offering a Practical Skills Training Track from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the red activity building near the DNR Pocket Park at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. The Recreation Passport is not required for vehicle entry to this training event. Students are encouraged to bring their own ORV, helmet and eye protection if they have it, but four-wheelers will be available for participants to borrow. The event takes place rain or shine. Register for this class at the same locations as listed above for the ORV safety class. Registration deadline is May 31. For more information on the practical skills training or ORV safety class, please contact Tim Kobasic at 906-399-9298.
On Sunday, June 9 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., a free 10-mile fun ride will take place from the Jack Pine ORV/snowmobile trailhead in the Hiawatha National Forest to the Thunderbowl Scramble Area (weather permitting). To go on the fun ride, all participants must have their own all-terrain vehicle (ATV), must be at least 12 years old to participate, and must have their ORV safety certificate in their possession. A proficiency course will be set up at the Thunderbowl, and instructors, law enforcement and grant sponsors will supervise kids riding the course. Lunch will be provided free of charge. Transportation will not be provided, and participants should arrive early to the Jack Pine trailhead (located on M-94, approximately 21 miles north of Manistique or 15 miles south of Shingleton). A Recreation Passport is not required for vehicle entry to this training event. The annual ORV sticker is not necessary for the fun ride on Sunday, as this is an educational event. For more information, please contact Dick Musson with the Schoolcraft County Motorized Trails Association at 906-341-8391. Register for this class at the same locations as listed above for the ORV Safety Class. Deadline for registration is May 31.